Shipping Container Delivery in Greater London

Taking delivery of a shipping container is a significant logistical operation that requires careful planning and precise execution. Whether you are a construction manager requiring site storage or a homeowner seeking additional space, the success of your project hinges on the safe delivery and placement of the unit. At Shipping Containers of London, we combine decades of industry experience with a specialised fleet of vehicles to navigate the complexities of urban and rural deliveries alike.

Shipping containers are heavy, rigid structures that cannot be easily moved once set down, making the initial delivery phase critical. This guide outlines the specific vehicle requirements, site preparation, and access dimensions needed to ensure your delivery proceeds without a hitch. By understanding the logistics involved, you can avoid costly delays and failed delivery charges.

Selecting the Right Delivery Vehicle

We utilise a network of specialised Hiab crane-equipped trucks to deliver and offload our shipping containers. These vehicles feature a hydraulic crane arm mounted behind the cab, allowing for the unit to be lifted off the side of the vehicle and positioned with precision. It is essential to match the delivery vehicle to both the container size and the access constraints of your site.

Rigid Hiab Vehicles

The industry standard for delivering a single 20ft shipping container is a rigid Hiab truck. This vehicle is a single chassis unit, similar in size to a large dustcart or fire engine but significantly longer.

• Vehicle Capacity: Capable of carrying one 20ft container or two 10ft units.
• Vehicle Length: Approximately 10 to 11 metres (33-36ft) in length.
• Manoeuvrability: These vehicles are more agile than articulated lorries, making them the preferred choice for residential areas and sites with tighter turning circles.
• Weight: A loaded rigid vehicle can weigh over 25 tonnes, requiring substantial ground stability.

Articulated Hiab Vehicles

For larger units, such as 40ft shipping containers, or for the delivery of multiple 20ft units in a single journey, an articulated vehicle is required. These massive vehicles consist of a tractor unit and a long trailer.

• Vehicle Capacity: Essential for 40ft and 45ft containers, which physically cannot fit on smaller trucks.
• Vehicle Length: The total length is approximately 16.5 metres (60-65ft).
• Access Requirements: These vehicles require a vast amount of linear space to park and straighten up before offloading can commence. They are generally unsuitable for narrow country lanes or tight residential cul-de-sacs due to their wide turning circle.

Wagon and Drag Configurations

For sites that require the volume of two 20ft containers but lack the space for a 60ft articulated lorry, a "wagon and drag" configuration offers a flexible solution. This consists of a rigid truck pulling a drawbar trailer. The key advantage is manoeuvrability: the driver can disconnect the trailer nearby, deliver the first container on the rigid truck, and then return to collect the second unit from the trailer. This method is often cheaper than arranging two separate delivery runs.

Assessing Site Access and Clearance

The most common cause of failed deliveries is insufficient access. Unlike small parcels, a shipping container truck requires specific clearances to reach the drop-off point safely. You must verify that your route and site can accommodate the vehicle dimensions before booking your delivery.

Width and Turning Space

The delivery truck itself is approximately 8ft wide, or 9ft including wing mirrors. However, the entrance to your site should ideally be at least 12ft wide to allow for safe manoeuvring. If the approach road is narrow, parked cars or sharp turns can prevent a large vehicle from accessing the site. For articulated vehicles, ensure there is sufficient swing space for the trailer when turning.

Overhead Height and Hazards

Vertical clearance is a critical safety factor. A truck carrying a standard shipping container is approximately 14ft 6 in high. If you are ordering a High Cube container, this height increases to 15ft 6in.

• Route Obstructions: Check the route for low bridges, height barriers, and overhanging tree branches that could damage the vehicle or the hydraulic crane.
• Overhead Cables: Hiab cranes lift from the top of the container and can extend 20 to 30ft into the air. It is illegal and highly dangerous to operate a crane within close proximity to live overhead power lines. If cables run directly over your proposed delivery spot, the lift cannot proceed.

Ground Preparation and Foundation

Preparing your site correctly is the customer's responsibility and is vital to the container's longevity and the smooth operation of its doors. Our vehicles must remain on hard-standing surfaces at all times.

Hardstanding Requirement

When loaded, the delivery vehicle exerts immense pressure on the ground. We cannot drive over grass, mud, soft earth, or loose gravel. If a heavy truck drives onto soft ground, it risks sinking and becoming stuck, leading to costly recovery and potential land damage. Drivers have the right to refuse delivery if they believe the ground conditions are unsafe.

Levelling the Container

Shipping containers are designed to be supported by their four corner castings. The ground does not need to be a solid concrete slab, but the four corners must be perfectly level with one another. If a container is placed on uneven ground, the structure will "rack" or twist. This distortion causes the door frame to skew, making the heavy cargo doors stiff or impossible to open and close.

To ensure a level foundation and prevent the container from sitting in damp soil, we recommend using supports under the corners, such as:

• Railway Sleepers: These spread the weight effectively and are durable.
• Paving Slabs: Heavy-duty slabs can be used if the ground is very firm.
• Concrete Blocks: Ideal for creating a permanent, level footing.

Raising the container slightly off the ground also encourages airflow, helping the underside dry out and extending the unit's lifespan.

The Delivery Execution

On the day of delivery, knowing what to expect ensures a safe and efficient handover. Our professional drivers will communicate with your site contact to plan the lift.

1. Arrival and Setup: The driver will position the vehicle either parallel to or at a 90-degree angle to the drop-off point. The site must be clear of debris, vehicles, and obstructions.
2. Stabiliser Deployment: To prevent the truck from tipping over during the lift, hydraulic stabiliser legs (outriggers) are extended from the sides of the vehicle. These legs require an additional width of approximately 8ft to 10ft on top of the truck's width.
3. The Lift: The crane lifts the container via the top corner castings. The arm is free-swinging, allowing the driver to manoeuvre the container into position. Standard Hiab cranes typically offload to the side of the vehicle; they generally cannot lift over the cab or directly off the rear.
4. Final Checks: Once the container is landed on your prepared supports, you should check that it is level. The most effective test is to open and close the doors. If they operate smoothly, the unit is level. If they stick, the driver can lift the unit slightly to allow you to insert packers or shims under the low corner.

Avoiding Failed Deliveries

A "failed delivery" incurs high costs, including the transport charge and a return-to-depot fee. To avoid this, we strongly encourage open communication regarding your site's constraints. If you have any doubts about access, narrow gates, or ground stability, sending photos or a video walk-through to our team can help us assess the feasibility of the job.

For particularly complex sites, we can arrange a site survey. While this is a chargeable service, it eliminates the risk of a failed delivery by ensuring the correct vehicle and lifting method are selected. Whether you require storage containers or complex converted units, getting the logistics right is the first step in a successful project.